Mandy Vicknair is a selfless person. The full-time paraeducator (a fancy word for teaching assistant, she said) at East St. John High School in Reserve also cares for aging family members as well as her husband, children and grandchildren in her spare time.

"It is very hard for me to put myself first before everybody, " Vicknair said. "I am a caregiver to my mentally disabled sister, Michelle, my mom needs help right now and my elderly aunt."

The years spent doing for others and barely tending to her own needs took a toll. Vicknair's weight ballooned out of control and the extra poundage resulted in serious pain in her feet.

About a year ago, as she struggled to stand after playing on the floor with her two young grandsons, Vicknair realized she had to stop neglecting herself.

"I said, 'Oh no, I am not going to do this, ' " Vicknair said. "I am going to be able to play with my grandsons -- Emile, 4, and Mason, 18 months -- and be able to run around."

With support and determination, Vicknair became a regular at the French Riviera fitness center in LaPlace, where she sought the advice of staff personal trainers. She even conquered the spin class, something she never thought possible.

Seventy pounds and four pants sizes later, Vicknair relishes the day she decided to be healthier and asked for her family's support. She encourages other women, and men, to do the same.

"I told my family, this is hard for me but y'all have to help, " Vicknair said. "I told them I would be able to help them more because I will be healthier and live a lot longer. And they agreed."

Vicknair, who no longer suffers foot problems, admits she sometimes feels pangs of guilt about taking time to work out, but she knows deep down it's something she must continue.